Christian Mcbride Big Band - Bringin' It (2x180g Vinyl LP)

180g double LP edition, in a gatefold sleeve. Vinyl Mastering by Kevin Gray 

Iconic bassist Christian McBride has been doing what the title of his upcoming big band album implores for years: 'Bringin' It'. This highly anticipated release, which follows the Christian McBride Big Band's 2011 Grammy® Award-winning debut, 'The Good Feelin'g, puts his status and skills as an all-around entertainer on full display.

While the music played by the Christian McBride Big Band is on the cutting edge of 21st century large ensemble music, the orchestra's presentation, like its sound, respects the past while looking forward. Danny Ray, the legendary stage announcer for James Brown, travels with the group to give the leader an old-school intro before playing his thoroughly modern music. "I love having the show aspect of it as well, with Danny Ray there, and being able to create somewhat of a show while also having Melissa there as our vocalist."

That would be Melissa Walker, who graces 'Bringin' It' on two tracks: "Upside Down," originally done by Brazilian superstar Djavan, and the unlikely slick arrangement of "Mr. Bojangles."

Only two tracks on this eleven-song set were not arranged by the leader: the "Upside Down" arrangement was contributed by Norman Simmons, while "Optimism" is from the person he's known the longest in his band, trombonist Steve Davis. Davis has the distinction of being the very last Jazz Messenger that Art Blakey hired before he died in 1990.

"Big band is not the most fashionable concept, but leave the notion of what's fashionable or not to one side and seek this one out." - Jazzwise